Hurricanes are one of the most destructive and potentially deadly natural disasters you can face. From powerful winds that can wreak havoc on your property to torrential rains and damaging storm surges that can devastate entire coastal communities, hurricanes can unleash a wide array of dangerous hazards.
During a hurricane, buildings, roadways, vital infrastructure, and other structures can be severely damaged or destroyed. If you live near a coastline or in an area that can be affected by hurricanes, you need to take the threat seriously.
Throughout the world, hurricanes are known by a number of names:
The strength of the storm is classified by something known as the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, which is split into five categories distinguished by the strengths of sustained winds.
Hurricanes are relatively common. On average, the world sees somewhere around 70 to 110 every year.
Hurricanes are the single most powerful atmospheric phenomenon we face. The storms can produce torrential rains, spawn tornadoes, cause major flooding, and can even whip up winds that exceed 155 miles (249 km) per hour.
Hurricanes are not something that should be taken lightly. Even a small tropical storm can produce heavy rain and winds that can devastate a community. From downed power lines and flash floods to storm surges that can be as high as 20 feet (6 m) and 100 miles (161 km) wide, a hurricane can create a path of destruction that can cause billions of dollars in damage and kill numerous people.
Weather isn’t the only factor wreaking havoc during a hurricane. The general public’s response to the storm will also pose potential threats and difficulties.
Stores will run out of supplies almost immediately. As soon as a hurricane warning is issued, people are going to be frantically rushing to buy supplies. Because most people are completely unprepared to face even a small-scale disaster, the grocery stores will be stripped bare in a matter of hours.
Electronic payments will go down. Our reliance on modern technology, especially electronic payments, has left us extremely vulnerable to natural disasters. During most hurricanes, the affected areas often lose power for days, sometimes even weeks. That means you need to be prepared to pay for things without using your debit and credit cards.
Criminals will prey on the weak. Criminals love to exploit natural disasters. While you’re paying attention to the chaos the storm is causing, they’re plotting how they can use it to their advantage. You need to be prepared to defend yourself from looters and other criminals who may be looking to do more than just steal your property.
Watch out for the government. It’s sad, but as we’ve seen during previous hurricanes, you may have to watch out for your own government. During Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans residents had their homes raided and their legal firearms confiscated in the name of “protecting” the public.
If you decide to stay in your home during a hurricane, you need to be able to survive for at least fourteen days without food, water, or power. The government often recommends that you need at least seventy-two hours’ worth of supplies, but based on past hurricanes and natural disasters, expecting to be back up and running within seventy-two hours is completely unrealistic.
Don’t wait until a hurricane is on the way to stock up on supplies you will need. Panic buying will ensure you won’t be able to get everything you need. Stock up on these supplies now, so you are ready well ahead of the storm.
Unlike tornadoes or flash floods, hurricanes will give more notice before blowing through your area. Pay attention to weather reports and warnings so you can act as quickly as possible.
The best way to stay safe during a hurricane is to evacuate the storm-threatened area. In my opinion, staying to “protect your stuff” is not worth losing your life. In the case of a major hurricane, it’s often best to heed evacuation warnings—especially if you live in an area that’s prone to flooding.
If you decide not to evacuate, take shelter in small interior rooms, closets, or areas without windows that are preferably on the lower levels of your home. If you live in a high-rise building, you need to find somewhere else to go. The higher off the ground you are during the storm, the worse the winds will become.
If you don’t have a large amount of water on hand, fill up as many containers as you can before the storm hits. Tap water usually becomes unsafe after a hurricane and you’ll want to have as much water on hand as you can store. Pots, pans, and even your bathtub can be a great way to store extra water.
Beware of the calm in the middle of the storm. A lot of people get into trouble because they drop their guard when it seems like things have calmed down. Remember, when the eye of the storm is overhead it can look like the storm has passed. In reality, there’s more to come and what’s coming can often be worse than what’s already passed.
Unfortunately, once the winds subside, you’re still not out of danger. In fact, the aftermath may be the most dangerous part of the storm you will face. From bacteria-laden floodwater to looters looking to take advantage of an already bad situation, you need to keep your guard up until things return to normal. After the storm